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D
Asm. Jen Lunsford
District 135
Democrat
First elected 2021
Jen Lunsford represents AD-135, a D+7 district that has historically been competitive — she won her first term in 2020 by just 0.8 points over the incumbent, though she has since widened her margins to 10.8 points in 2022 and 16.0 points in 2024; the district's 2026 base lean is modeled at D+12, ranging from Safe D in a favorable Democratic environment to Lean D under a favorable Republican environment. The district is a predominantly white (87.0%), high-income, high-homeownership suburban area with a median household income of $117,020, a homeownership rate of 80.1%, and a bachelor's degree attainment rate of 62.6%, with voter registration split among Democrats (36.2%), Independents (32.9%), and Republicans (29.2%). First elected in 2021, Lunsford sponsored 78 bills in the 2025 session, with her heaviest concentration in Public Health (8 bills), Insurance (6 bills), and Civil Practice Law and Rules (5 bills), followed by Education, Environmental Conservation, Executive, Penal, and Social Services law areas.AI
Vulnerability Index AD-135
Base lean: D+12
Favorable D
Neutral
Favorable R
Scenario model: ±5pt national environment shift applied to district base lean (D+12). Base lean blends voter registration (40%) with recent contested general election margins (60%), using up to the last 4 general elections with margins under 40 points. Ratings: Safe D/R = 15+ pts, Likely = 8–14 pts, Lean = 3–7 pts, Toss-up = within 2 pts. Generic ballot from Silver Bulletin (Nate Silver), as of 5/1/2026. Not a prediction — reflects structural competitiveness under different cycle environments.
Electoral History AD-135
General Elections
| Year | Winner | Runner-up | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Jen Lunsford 58.0% (45,484) | Kimberly DeRosa 42.0% (32,908) | 16.0pts |
| 2022 | Jen Lunsford 55.4% (35,569) | Joseph R. Chenelly 44.6% (28,674) | 10.8pts |
| 2020 | Jennifer A. Lunsford 50.4% (41,564) | Mark C. Johns 49.6% (40,833) | ⚡ 0.8pts |
| 2018 | Mark C. Johns 52.3% (33,542) | Andrew G. Gilchrist 47.7% (30,639) | ⚡ 4.6pts |
| 2016 | Mark C. Johns 59.9% (42,616) | Dorothy A. Styk 40.1% (28,558) | 19.8pts |
| 2014 | Mark C. Johns 100.0% (37,820) | Uncontested | — |
| 2012 | Mark C. Johns 51.1% (34,868) | David R. Koon 48.9% (33,399) | ⚡ 2.2pts |
| 2010 | Mark C. Johns 51.3% (26,884) | David R. Koon 48.7% (25,485) | ⚡ 2.6pts |
| 2008 | David R. Koon 59.8% (40,507) | David P. Bonacchi 40.2% (27,181) | 19.6pts |
| 2006 | David R. Koon 61.7% (31,029) | Mark C. Johns 38.3% (19,285) | 23.4pts |
| 2004 | David R. Koon 60.9% (40,255) | Mark C. Johns 39.1% (25,890) | 21.8pts |
| 2002 | David R. Koon 67.3% (32,475) | Clyde O. Benoy 32.7% (15,754) | 34.6pts |
| 2000 | David R. Koon 57.8% (39,449) | Sean T. Hanna 42.2% (28,796) | 15.6pts |
| 1998 | David R. Koon 65.1% (33,067) | Peter D. Elder 33.3% (16,923) | 31.8pts |
| 1996 | David R. Koon 56.4% (36,111) | Margaret R. De Francisco 42.7% (27,322) | 13.7pts |
Primary Elections
| Year | Winner | Runner-up | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 (Working Families) | Mark C. Johns 50.0% (13) | Uncontested | ⚡ 0.0pts |
| 2014 (Republican) | Mark C. Johns 85.9% (1,829) | Calvin A. Frelier 14.1% (299) | 71.8pts |
Source: NYS Board of Elections certified results. ⚡ = margin under 10 pts. District history reflects 2022 redistricted boundaries.
Voter Registration
District 135 Profile
Population
131,706
Median income
$117,020
Median rent
$1,346
Homeownership
80.1%
Education (BA+)
62.6%
Poverty rate
4.9%
Uninsured rate
1.7%
Unemployment rate
3.7%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (2024).
Demographics
White
87.0%
Black
2.1%
Hispanic
3.9%
Asian
3.7%
Median age
44.7
Foreign born
7.2%
Limited English households
0.6%
Veterans
5.1%
Disability rate
11.2%
Commute Mode
Drive alone
69.7%
Public transit
0.1%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2024). Race and ethnicity figures may not sum to 100% — Hispanic/Latino is an ethnicity category that overlaps with racial groups.
Legislative Activity (2025–2026)
Bills sponsored
78
Floor debate appearances
25
Years in office
5
Bill sponsorship from NYS Open Legislation API. Joint hearing appearances from NYS Senate hearing transcripts.
Floor Session Activity 2025–2026
A03126-B
PASSED
2026-03-30
Amend Executive Law requiring notification to complainants when building code violations are confirmed by local code enforcement
The Assembly passed A03126-B, which requires local code enforcement to notify tenants when building code violations reported by them are confirmed. Sponsor Assemblywoman Lunsford characterized the measure as a commonsense accountability tool enabling tenants to hold non-responsive landlords accountable. Opponent Assemblyman Molitor argued the bill adds unnecessary regulatory burden and expense, suggesting municipalities could address the issue through online portals. The Republican Conference opposed the bill, though members were permitted to vote individually. The Democratic Majority supported the measure.
A07683
PASSED
2026-03-09
An act to amend the Executive Law, in relation to limiting recordkeeping and reporting duties of public notaries
A01062
PASSED
2026-03-04
An act to amend the Insurance Law, in relation to service contracts for accidental damages from handling
A04944
PASSED
2026-02-09
An act to amend the Penal Law, in relation to prohibiting the operation of uncrewed aircraft over school grounds or critical infrastructure
A00949
PASSED
2026-01-12
An act to amend the Workers' Compensation Law, in relation to permitting telemedicine services for mental and behavioral health issues under the Workers' Compensation system
A03351
PASSED
2025-06-17
Party voter registration challenge procedures for parties without county committees
The Assembly passed a bill extending to minor parties without county committees the ability to challenge voter registrations for party affiliation—a power currently available only to major parties. The measure sparked heated debate, with supporters arguing it levels the playing field and prevents party lines from being 'hijacked,' while opponents contended it is unconstitutional, removes local party control, and was specifically designed to address the 2024 NY-17 congressional race involving the Working Families Party. Multiple members cited the case of Anthony Frascone, who secured a Working Families Party ballot line without running a campaign. Sponsor Asm. Levenberg argued the bill ensures all parties with enrolled voters can challenge those not in sympathy with party principles. Critics, including Asm. Tague and Asm. Ra, called the bill a partisan power grab that allows unelected state bodies to determine voters' political beliefs. The bill passed on a slow roll call vote late on the final day of the legislative session.
A08297
PASSED
2025-06-17
Child support alternative dispute resolution pilot program
A777
PASSED
2025-06-17
Library book collection management and school library materials
The Assembly passed A777, legislation that grants the State Education Commissioner authority over school library book collections, in a contentious floor debate on June 17 that exposed deep divisions over intellectual freedom, parental rights, and local control. Supporters, including Assemblywoman Shimsky, argued the bill protects students' access to books that help them understand their identities and prevents censorship that corrodes democracy. Opponents, led by Assemblyman Durso and others, contended the measure strips authority from locally elected school boards and parents, arguing the real issue is age-appropriate placement of sexually explicit materials in children's sections, not book banning. Several members expressed concerns about granting excessive power to the Education Commissioner. The bill passed without a recorded tally being announced in this segment.
A08728
PASSED
2025-06-13
An act to amend the Civil Practice Law and Rules, in relation to enacting the "Avoiding Vexatious Overuse of Impleading to Delay (AVOID) Act"
A00584-C
PASSED
2025-06-11
Judicial Candidate Cross-Endorsement Authorization - requires judicial candidates to obtain party authorization (Wilson-Pakula) to run in another party's primary
The Assembly passed legislation requiring judicial candidates to obtain party authorization before running in another party's primary, a requirement similar to those applied to other candidates under the Wilson-Pakula law. Sponsor Assemblyman Jacobson argued the bill ensures voters understand that candidates on a party line share that party's values, noting most voters decide based on party affiliation when unfamiliar with candidates. Supporters including Assemblywoman Lunsford contended judges already run on party lines, making them inherently political, and the bill simply clarifies voter expectations without further politicizing the judiciary. Opponents including Assemblyman Durso and Sempolinski argued the bill gives party committees gatekeeping power over judicial candidates and undermines the principle that judges should represent all parties and remain apolitical. Assemblyman Steck cited practical examples of judges abusing the current system by enrolling voters in minor parties without genuine affiliation. The bill passed on a slow roll call vote.
A08463-E
PASSED
2025-06-11
AANHPI Education Equity Act — authorizes Commissioner of Education to conduct survey on Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander history instruction; establishes temporary advisory committee
The Assembly passed the AANHPI Education Equity Act (A08463-E), sponsored by Asm. Lee, which directs the Commissioner of Education to survey school districts on instruction related to Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander history and establishes a temporary four-member advisory committee to recommend curriculum resources. Debate focused on committee composition, with Minority members objecting to the lack of Minority party representation. Asm. Walsh questioned why the committee was limited to four experts and suggested expanding to six to allow Minority appointments. Asm. Lee responded that appointments are based on subject matter expertise and that Minority members could provide recommendations through the Speaker and Majority Leader. Asm. Gallahan and Asm. Tague voted against the bill citing the exclusion of Minority representation. The bill passed with support from Asm. Lee, Asm. Chang (cosponsor), Asm. Lunsford, and Asm. Meeks, who emphasized the importance of inclusive curriculum and diverse perspectives.
A08463
PASSED
2025-06-11
Francesco's Law — safe firearm storage requirements and data collection on unsafe storage incidents
The Assembly passed Francesco's Law (A08463), sponsored by Asm. Khaleel Anderson, which strengthens safe firearm storage requirements and mandates data collection on unsafe storage incidents. The bill clarifies existing law to ensure firearms not in immediate control are secured, directs the Office of Gun Violence Prevention to conduct public education campaigns, and requires DCJS to collect data on violations. The legislation was inspired by Francesco, a 17-year-old Long Island resident who died by suicide in 2021 using an unsecured family firearm after experiencing bullying. Supporters cited statistics showing suicides account for 36% of firearm deaths among children ages 10-19 and that 66% of unintentional fatal shootings involving children occur when firearms are handled by someone else. Asm. Lunsford noted that 80% of gun owners support safe storage laws. Opponents, including Asm. Lemondes, raised Second Amendment concerns and questioned whether the law could impede self-defense during home invasions. Asm. Gallahan advocated for education over legislation. Francesco's mother and godmother attended the session. The bill passed with strong support from the Majority Conference.
A01417
PASSED
2025-06-10
Lead-based paint inspection and disclosure requirements for residential real property sales and certain rental transactions
The Assembly passed Asm. Rivera's lead-based paint inspection bill (A01417) on a party-line vote with Republican exceptions. The legislation requires sellers of residential properties built before 1978 to obtain lead-based paint certifications before sale and disclose results to buyers. The requirement applies to sales and rent-to-own arrangements but not standard rentals. Sellers receive a $400-$500 tax credit to offset testing costs, which average $400-$500. The bill does not mandate remediation, only disclosure. Multiple members emphasized lead poisoning as the most preventable and prevalent health threat to children, with impacts including developmental delays, learning disabilities, and reduced educational capacity. Asm. Peoples-Stokes criticized America's historical prioritization of business profit over public health, while Asm. Meeks detailed extensive health consequences. The bill has passed three times previously with no reported concerns from county clerks. It takes effect August 1, 2026.
A02633
LAID ASIDE
2025-06-09
Study on job vacancies across State agencies
A06063 / S____
PASSED
2025-06-09
Payment and distribution of damages in wrongful death actions
A06063 / S____
PASSED
2025-06-09
Amend Estates, Powers and Trusts Law in relation to the payment and distribution of damages in wrongful death actions
A07235
PASSED
2025-06-06
An act to amend the Executive Law, the State Finance Law and the Public Authorities Law, in relation to establishing expanded construction mentorship opportunities for small and minority and women-owned business enterprises
A06558-A
2025-06-05
An act to amend the Public Health Law and the Agriculture and Markets Law, in relation to requiring allergen labeling for prepackaged foods
A03141
PASSED
2025-06-04
An act to amend the Tax Law, in relation to taxpayers and combined groups including members engaged in providing professional employer organization services
A08303
PASSED
2025-06-04
An act to amend the Civil Practice Law and Rules, the Business Corporation Law, the General Associations Law, the Limited Liability Company Law, the Not-For-Profit Corporation Law and the Partnership Law, in relation to consent to jurisdiction by foreign business organizations authorized to do business in New York.
The Assembly passed A08303, sponsored by Assemblywoman Lunsford, which amends multiple business law statutes to require foreign corporations registering in New York to consent to general jurisdiction over lawsuits brought by State residents or businesses. The bill passed along party lines, with Democrats supporting and Republicans opposing. Lunsford argued the bill restores pre-Daimler law (over 100 years of precedent) and noted the Supreme Court's recent Mallory decision upheld a similar Pennsylvania statute. She contended no litigation flood occurred during the century before the 2014 Daimler decision. Republicans, citing two prior gubernatorial vetoes (2013, 2021), raised concerns about forum shopping, potential Commerce Clause violations, and discouraging business incorporation in New York. Assemblyman Molitor warned the bill could expose businesses to nationwide litigation for conduct unrelated to New York operations and drive investment to neighboring states. The bill takes effect January 1st.
A03141
PASSED
2025-06-04
An act to amend the Tax Law, in relation to taxpayers and combined groups including members engaged in providing professional employer organization services
A08303
PASSED
2025-06-04
An act to amend the Civil Practice Law and Rules, the Business Corporation Law, the General Associations Law, the Limited Liability Company Law, the Not-For-Profit Corporation Law and the Partnership Law, in relation to consent to jurisdiction by foreign business organizations authorized to do business in New York.
The Assembly passed A08303, sponsored by Assemblywoman Lunsford, which amends multiple business law statutes to establish that foreign corporations registering to do business in New York consent to general jurisdiction in the state. The bill sparked significant debate over jurisdictional expansion and business climate impacts. Lunsford argued the bill restores pre-Daimler law (over 100 years of precedent) and cited the Supreme Court's recent Mallory v. Norfolk Southern Railway decision upholding a similar Pennsylvania statute. She contended no litigation flood occurred during the century before the 2014 Daimler decision and that businesses can avoid jurisdiction by not registering. Opponents Assemblyman Ra and Assemblyman Molitor raised concerns about forum shopping, discouraging business registration, potential Commerce Clause violations, and increased court caseload. Molitor argued no other major state has such expansive jurisdiction and warned it could drive businesses to neighboring states. The Republican conference voted against the bill; the Democratic conference voted in favor with some exceptions permitted. The bill takes effect January 1st.
A03141
PASSED
2025-06-04
An act to amend the Tax Law, in relation to taxpayers and combined groups including members engaged in providing professional employer organization services
A08303
PASSED
2025-06-04
An act to amend the Civil Practice Law and Rules, the Business Corporation Law, the General Associations Law, the Limited Liability Company Law, the Not-For-Profit Corporation Law and the Partnership Law, in relation to consent to jurisdiction by foreign business organizations authorized to do business in New York.
The Assembly passed A08303, sponsored by Assemblywoman Lunsford, which establishes that foreign corporations registering to do business in New York consent to general jurisdiction in state courts for all claims, including those unrelated to their New York operations. The bill sparked significant debate along party lines. Lunsford argued it restores pre-2014 law before the Daimler Supreme Court decision and cites the recent Mallory v. Norfolk Southern Railway decision upholding a similar Pennsylvania statute. She contended no problems arose during the 100+ years this was law and that the bill limits plaintiffs to those with New York nexus. Republicans, led by Assemblyman Ra and Assemblyman Molitor, raised concerns about forum shopping, discouraging business registration in New York, potential Commerce Clause violations, and increased court caseload. Molitor argued no other major state has such expansive jurisdiction and warned it could drive businesses to neighboring states. The Republican conference voted against the bill, while the Democratic conference voted in favor, with some exceptions permitted. The bill takes effect January 1st.
A03682
PASSED
2025-05-27
Custodial interrogation of juveniles; requires attorney presence and parental notification
The Assembly passed legislation requiring attorney presence during police interrogation of juveniles, with supporters citing research showing children confess at three times the rate of adults and citing 25 exonerations of juveniles in New York since 1989. Sponsor Asm. Hevesi argued the measure protects constitutional rights and prevents false confessions that allow actual perpetrators to remain free and commit additional crimes. Opponents raised practical concerns about implementation in rural areas lacking designated interrogation facilities and warned the requirement will hamstring law enforcement investigations. The bill received a party-line vote, with the Democratic majority supporting it and Republicans opposing. The measure takes effect April 1, 2026.
Source: Official NY Assembly floor session transcripts (Granicus). AI-processed. Includes sessions from 2023 onward where transcripts are available.
Bill Focus Areas 2025–2026
bills
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Grouped by law section from sponsored Assembly bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation API.
Lobbying Activity
No lobbying disclosures on record for this member in the available dataset (JCOPE filings targeting Assembly members).
Source: NY Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government via data.ny.gov.